Gondek sentenced for malicious injury to property

BONNERS FERRY — Daniel Gondek appeared in court for sentencing on April 7, with district judge Barbara A. Buchanan presiding over the case.

Gondek was represented by public defender Amanda Findlay, who on Gondek’s behalf accepted a guilty plea agreement that found Gondek charged with malicious injury to property.

The charge comes with a minimum fixed and determinate period of custody of 2 years and is followed by an indeterminate period of up to 3 years, not to exceed 5 years.

Gondek was ordered to provide victim restitution with interest in the amount of $26,400.90 commencing on the date of sentencing. He also received credit for time served for the 62 days in jail.

According to court records, Gondek, on advisement from Findlay, wanted to be involved in the rider treatment program or remain in jail.

Idaho's rider treatment program is an alternative to prison. It is designed for low-risk offenders to get treatment. If successful in the program, they are put on probation rather than finishing their sentence in prison.

The criminal complaint filed by Jason Trujillo on Jan. 26 stated Gondek did malicious injury to property on Jan. 20, 2021.

The records indicate that Gondek cut fiber-optic cables belonging to Ziply, which caused disruptions in service to residents.

As stated in the court minutes, there was concern over Gondek’s mental health and the need for an evaluation and the need for drug rehabilitation.

In 2020, court records indicate Gondek was involved with domestic violence without traumatic injury against a household member, which he plead guilty to. In December of 2018, Gondek plead guilty to trespass with property damage.

In 2012, charged with burglary, a felony, by the Bonners Ferry Police Department, plead guilty and sentenced to two years in prison, determinate, four years indeterminate, suspended, jurisdiction retained, $500 fine and $525.50 court costs.